News Release

Statement by US Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez on mayors' resolution calling for an increase in the national minimum wage

WASHINGTON  U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today issued the following statement regarding the resolution under consideration at the meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors in Dallas, Texas, June 20-23 that calls for an increase in the national minimum wage:

"For nearly five years, workers at the bottom of the income ladder have not seen a raise even as their housing, transportation, food, utility and child care costs have all gone up. No one who works full time in America should have to raise their families in poverty.

"That's why President Obama has fought to increase the national minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour and boost the incomes of 28 million Americans, lifting two million out of poverty. These workers are not teenagers earning weekend spending money, but hard-working adults with bills to pay and mouths to feed. They deserve a raise.

"From coast to coast, we're seeing a surge of momentum on this issue, with states, localities and forward-thinking businesses raising wages. They're not just responding to overwhelming public support for higher wages; they know that it's good for the bottom line and invigorates an economy driven by consumer spending.

"I support the resolution before the U.S. Conference of Mayors calling on Congress to raise the national minimum wage and encouraging states and local governments to do the same. This resolution, coupled with grassroots-powered action nationwide, is part of a groundswell that proves change doesn't always come from Washington, sometimes it comes to Washington. I applaud San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and his colleagues from cities across the country for leading on this issue and introducing the resolution. I urge its swift adoption."